30 staircase ideas to step up your interior

By Elise Hodge

Updated: March 22nd, 2024

Take your staircase from tired and old to fancy and modern with these interesting tips.

If you have a home that is more than one story, then having a staircase is essential. Whether you want to keep it simple and go with efficiency and functionality or would like to go for a design that’s striking and spectacular, there are so many different options to suit any style.

In some cases, a staircase is designed to take up a whole space, like in a large foyer and entrance, and aims to dominate the room, whilst other staircases may work best when they seamlessly fit into the space without distracting from other features of the room. Either way, staircase design is something that is sometimes overlooked after you’ve spent all your time and energy fussing over the kitchen, living, and bedroom designs, but it’s well worth placing your staircase design closer to the top of your priority list.

Your stairs will be a step above the rest with these 30 staircase ideas to inspire you with your home renovation or restyling your existing staircase.

1. Floor-to-ceiling wall panelling

Floor-to-ceiling panelling next to a staircase isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it’s a functional design choice with numerous benefits. It provides an excellent canvas for creative design, allowing you to experiment with colours, textures, or artwork, making your staircase area a standout feature.

grey corner sofa in a luxury living room with wood panelled walls

2. Luxurious design

Imagine walking into your luxurious house and being greeted with an equally beautiful staircase. For this design idea, a curved staircase could make beautiful use of space. If you also use the same finish for your flooring and stairs, such as marble, will help to create continuity in your home.

two story entry foyer with lots of space, marble mosaic tile floor, front door framed with arch window and sidelights, and grand staircase with glossy wood curved banister

3. Spatial sculpture

Convert your staircase into a work of art while efficiently using space by integrating a library and office into it. The library of books can serve as a colourful backdrop for the staircase. You will never need to grab your ladder to reach your favourite book on the top shelf because you have your very own built-in staircase!

Home working space interior design in modern minimal white style with laptop on white desk against the staircase with built-in shelves and home decor

4. Minimal Modern

You can never go wrong with a staircase that is minimal and modern. Wooden stairs really stand out against white walls and grey concrete. This just goes to show that you don’t need to install something over-the-top for it to look good. Sometimes simple is best, but you might need some tips on wood repair.

brown wooden staircase with white wooden railings
Image: r t on Unsplash

5. Neutral colours

A neutral colour scheme is always a winner when it comes to creating a timeless space with little effort. They effortlessly blend with various decor styles, allowing easy updates. Subtle, yet sophisticated, neutrals evoke a sense of calm and balance.

white and brown stairs with wood railings
Image: Micah Carlson on Unsplash

6. Contours and curves 

A curved staircase is an alluring architectural choice that adds elegance and intrigue to any space. The curves create a visually captivating focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics. The curved shape gives a more enticing look rather than how a straight staircase would.

black and white curved staircase with a wallpaper backdrop
Image: Christina DiBernardo on Unsplash

7. Modernised log cabin 

Transform your home into a modern manor with the feeling of a cosy log cabin with your staircase. Get sturdy wooden beams and build a rustic-looking staircase that will make your walk up and down the stairs delightful. What a beautiful home to relax in after a long day.

Close-up detail of brown wooden stairs

8. Marvellous marble 

How marvellous would marble be for a staircase? When it comes to choosing a finish for your home, you really can’t go wrong with marble. Due to the neutral tones and natural stone finish, it is timeless, classic, and suits most other surfaces and furnishings.

White staircase flight in spacious light hallway
Image: Maria Orlova on Pexels

9. Glass panelling 

If you want to add some railing to your staircase for safety but don’t want it to look bulky and obtrusive in your home, then glass panelling is a great idea. On top of that, light effortlessly passes through the glass, making the area feel airy and modern.

White staircase with wooden steps and glass panelling
Image: Tormius on Unsplash

10. Patterned runner 

This design idea is for you if you have a staircase with a hard surface and you’re wanting to soften things up a little. Adding a runner to your stairs will not only help to soften the surface of your stairs, but you can even use it to add some character to it. Patterned prints can also add some more personality to the space.

Carpeted staircase with muted neutral striped pattern

11. Spiral staircase

Usually, you would expect to see a spiral staircase in a very old home like a chateau or even a castle, but a spiral staircase can have a modern spin! These elegant structures offer more than just a unique aesthetic appeal; they maximise space efficiency while adding a touch of sophistication. So, consider embracing the charm of a spiral staircase – bridging the gap between history and modern design.

brown wooden spiral staircase with white wall
Image: Junar Eliang on Unsplash

12. Subtle green tones 

If you love colour but only want to add it in the most subtle way, then add subtle green tones to your staircase. Add a green runner on your white stairs to bring everything together. This can elevate your interior design with a simple yet impactful touch of colour.

white staircase with a subtle green patterned runner
Image: Canva AI Image Generator

13. Cast iron 

How cool is a cast iron staircase? Cast iron is so sturdy and built to last. This kind of staircase would work well in a medieval-style home or perhaps as a feature in a modern home. Either way, the intricate details in a cast iron staircase are so beautiful to look at and will be a great addition to a home.

A curved cast iron staircase
Image: Ries Bosch on Unsplash

14. Curving around 

If your home is mostly lines and edges, then adding a curved staircase works really well to help soften the look of the area. Consider building a staircase that is curving around from the bottom floor to the top, with a light fixture like a chandelier above it for a more luxurious effect.

A curved staircase with a grand chandelier overhead
Image: Sidekix Media on Unsplash

15. Stone flooring and black metal 

This staircase idea would go so well in a beautiful chateau in the countryside in France–or at least a home that looks like one. The combination of stone flooring and black metal is such a timeless look that could be incorporated into a heritage or even a modern home.

Grey stone spiral staircase with wooden hand rails
Image: Mihai Surdu on Unsplash

16. Light and bright

Tired of dimly lit stairwells? Place your sleek staircase near large windows or skylights, letting natural light cascade onto every step. This concept not only enhances safety but also infuses your space with a warm, inviting glow.

tiled stairs near wide windows
Image: Ridwan D.esk on Unsplash

17. Creative railing 

If you like to have a home that is a bit different to everyone else, then this design idea’s for you. Infuse your creativity into the railing of your staircase with abstract patterns, shapes, and angles. A creative railing not only adds a distinctive touch of artistic flair but also becomes a captivating focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your space.

Interior of modern building lobby with spiral staircase

18. Triangular design

Elevate your home’s allure with a triangular staircase that breaks free from conventional curves and 90-degree designs. Embracing the triangular design adds a modern and distinctive touch to your space. They blend architectural innovation with artistic flair, creating an engaging focal point.

white and brown triangular staircase
Image: Guillermo Scharffenorth on Unsplash

19. Black, white, and wood 

The allure of a black, white, and wood colour scheme for your staircase lies in its timeless elegance and versatile charm. The contrast between the bold black and crisp white elements exudes sophistication, while the introduction of wood adds warmth and natural beauty. This combination not only offers a harmonious blend of aesthetics but also provides a neutral backdrop that accommodates various interior styles.

angular staircase area in a room with wooden floors
Image: Christa Grover on Pexels

20. Gallery wall 

A gallery wall is a great idea if you want to create some interest on a blank wall, and the wall next to your staircase is the perfect place to add your photos. The arrangement of cherished photographs along the staircase not only transforms the otherwise overlooked space into a captivating visual journey but also personalises your home.

home staircase with a gallery wall
Image: Tyra Xu on Pexels

21. Feature pendants

Another smart way of sprucing up your staircase is by adding a feature light pendant. Not only does a light pendant provide light to the area, but it also doubles as a lovely decor feature in a room.

white and wood staircase with pendant lights above it
Image: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

22. Rail-free elegance

Opting for a staircase without rails can transform your home into an open and spacious space, inviting an unobstructed flow. If you opt for this minimalist design, it is important to incorporate gentle reminders for caution. Decorative floor markings are among the cues that can encourage careful navigation.

dining table with a rail-free wooden staircase next to it
Image: Jonathan Borba on Pexels

23. Modern meets antique

Take on the feeling of mid-century modern with a “modern meets antique” styling. Combine wooden finishes on windows and furniture with the intricate shapes of an antique staircase’s bannisters.

Staircase with marble steps and metal banister in house
Image: Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels

24. Floating staircase

Ever considered a floating staircase for your home? It’s like adding a touch of magic to your space. These sleek, modern staircases create a sense of openness and style that’s hard to beat. With no visible support, they seem to defy gravity, giving your home an airy, contemporary vibe. It’s not just a staircase; it’s an art piece that adds a wow factor to your interior.

Wood floating staircase in an empty living room

25. Staircase storage 

Maximise your home’s potential by integrating storage with your staircase. This smart design hack transforms often-overlooked space into functional brilliance. Drawers, shelves, or cabinets cleverly tucked beneath or alongside steps offer an efficient solution for stowing away belongings.

Cabinet built under wood staircase
Image: Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels

26. Hardwood flooring 

If you’re ever feeling indecisive about what kind of flooring to go with, hardwood flooring is always a good decision. Its timeless appeal adds warmth and character to any room. Beyond aesthetics, hardwood offers durability that withstands the test of time, making it a practical investment.

Modern spacious corridor with wooden staircase
Image: Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels

27. Feature wall

Having a feature wall next to your staircase can transform your entire home ambience. It’s more than just a wall; it’s a canvas for creativity. A carefully chosen colour, texture, or design can add depth, personality, and a focal point to your space.

Modern stairs and corridor interior with laminate at home
Image: Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels

28. LED light strip

Another great staircase idea is adding lighting. LED light strips in a home staircase area not only help to illuminate the space but also create an awesome effect on the wall. Light would reflect down, highlighting the details on the steps and adding a lovely glow.

Studio with sofa on carpet, lamp, and stairs with LED lighting
Image: Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels

29. Hovering steps

If you choosing a staircase design for your house, you should definitely consider hovering steps. Make your steps appear as if they are hovering planks of timber and get thin metal railings to help keep things safe. Not only will this design create a visually stunning effect, but it will also add a modern and intriguing element to your home.

Floating staircase supported by thin metal railings in modern house

30. Painted stairs

If you prefer something a lot more simplified, then painted stairs are for you, specifically a staircase painted in black. The simplicity of the black-painted stairs looks so chic, especially if paired with white walls and detailing.

interior of a modern loft with hardwood floors and black stairs

So there we have 30 staircase ideas to help you make some decisions in your next renovation or in sprucing up your existing stairs. What ideas will you be trying?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise H

I've recently moved into a new home and I've been having so much fun decorating it with pretty wall prints and Scandinavian-inspired furniture. So as well as being a freelance writer, I'm always on the lookout for new design pieces for my home!

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